One of the Subcontinent's best known historians releases history of SDBs

NEW DELHI: 5th March 2005 --  The occasion was the inauguration of the centenary of the Salesian presence in India, and the presence of the Rector Major.  The work was the 2 volume history of Salesians in India containing more than 1400 pages. It has been the labour of renowned historian and former president of the Church History Association of India, Fr. Joseph Thekkedath sdb. The volumes are published by Kristu Jyoti Publications, Bangalore.

    The work was commissioned by the Salesian Provincial Conference of  India twelve years ago in view of the centenary, and is based on primary sources. It involved research in 24 archives in India and abroad. The book covers a period of nearly fifty years  from the beginning of the Salesian presence in Tanjore  in South India in 1906  to  1951-52.   Fr.Thekkedath said  ‘the best way to express my thanks to Don  Bosco is   by writing a reliable record of the  past, as it is essential for  building the  foundation for the future.” 

    Fr.Thekkedath continued: “ The book is meant to be  honest history; hence not only the things that are honourable to  the Salesians are described, but also the few cases which would make them blush. But by far most of the experiences in the history of the Salesians in India were positive and exemplary.”

    Fr.Dominic Veliath, sdb,  professor of Systematic Theology  and member of the International Theological Commission said that  "a work of this sort calls for  unusual gifts  in an author: the talent for analysis and synthesis, and a dedication to historical research  which is satisfied with nothing less than integrity.” Fr.Thekkedath, he said, with his years of experience in primary  historical research is the most competent person to undertake such a monumental work.

    Fr. Thekkedath is admired and loved by many generations of students and Salesians for his depth of knowledge, mastery, dedication  and authentic Salesian witness.

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